The Dallas Mavericks, in one of the most shocking moves in NBA history, have decided early Saturday morning to trade their star player, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers of LeBron James. The three-team deal involves not only the Slovenian, but also Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris heading to California. In return, the Texas team will receive Anthony Davis, acquire Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick in 2029. Additionally, as reported by ESPN, the Utah Jazz will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, a second-round pick from the 2025 Clippers, and a second-round pick from the 2025 Mavericks.
The decision, made in the middle of the night, has caused an earthquake, especially in the environment of the former Real Madrid player, just 25 years old and who has spent his entire career in the US with the same team. According to specialized media reports, Doncic had not requested to leave, and in fact, was negotiating a five-year contract extension worth nearly 350 million dollars. However, the Mavericks, in a completely unexpected turn, have decided that the future of the franchise does not rely on one of the few players who could potentially be an MVP in the near future. And, with a not-so-subtle criticism of his offensive-focused playing style, they claim to now have more opportunities to win.
"I believe defense wins championships," stated Mavs general manager, Nico Harrison, to ESPN, explaining his motivation for trading Doncic for Davis. "Getting a center among the best defenders in the league, an all-star with a great defensive mindset, gives us a better chance. We are ready to win now and in the future," the executive affirmed.
Doncic was informed by the club when the trade was finalized, resulting in his immediate departure. The team was not satisfied with his physical condition, continuous injuries, and what they considered a lack of commitment and discipline to make necessary changes, including in his diet. They wanted Davis almost at any cost. Shams Charania, the journalist who first reported the news, explained that according to all his sources, neither Doncic, still in shock, nor Davis nor LeBron had any idea about the operation.
The Slovenian has only played 22 games this season due to a wide variety of injuries. He has injured his left calf twice since returning to Dallas before the training camp at the end of September, and has been out since Christmas. As reported by the leading sports portal, "while Doncic was relatively slim by his standards when he showed up for camp, his weight shot up to 120 kilos early this season." He missed five games at the end of November when the Mavs listed him as injured due to a right wrist sprain. A similar absence to the beginning of the 2022-23 season.
The trade window is closing, and although there were no solid rumors, some commentators had speculated about the possibility of Doncic packing his bags, but thinking of destinations like San Antonio, to team up with one of the young stars, Victor Wembanyama. Now he will team up with James, who in his final stages wants to win another championship. Both are the only two players who have averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and assists in all their seasons. At 40 years old, the Lakers' franchise player is averaging nearly 24 points, 9 assists, and over seven rebounds, and has only missed three games out of the first 47.
"It's not about the Lakers, not even about LeBron. It's about the Mavs and Doncic... One of the biggest and most impressive trades in league history... My phone exploded tonight. This is basically a rebuke to Doncic. The Mavs say they don't believe they can win with him due to his defense, physical condition, his inability to focus on the most important moments. Luka was committed to the Mavericks, and they are the ones pulling the plug. They didn't even get the full package from the Lakers, who reserve a first-round draft pick. LeBron has dreamed of this," assessed Brian Windhorst, one of the league's top analysts.